Watson Farley & Williams is considering opening in Dubai in what would be its first venture into the Middle East.

A Dubai launch could come in the next 12 months after the firm began taking advice on legal and regulatory matters related to entering the market.

The firm has yet to put forward proposals to partners, with discussions over possible expansion currently remaining at management level. 

Managing partner Michael Greville said: "We are considering opening an office in Dubai, but no decision has yet been made. We are not considering an alliance or joint venture."

Dubai has proved a popular destination for new office openings in the past 12 months. White & Case won a licence to practise in the emirate in June,  while Morgan Lewis & Bockius poached a team from Vinson & Elkins to launch in Dubai soon after. 

Addleshaw Goddard, Berwin Leighton Paisner, CMS Cameron McKenna and Stephenson Harwood have also recently set up shop in Dubai.

Watson Farley has already been in expansion mode this year, particularly in relation to its shipping practice. In January, it opened in Frankfurt with the hire of a regulatory team led by partner Ivana Mikesic from Dentons legacy firm Salans. 

The firm also expanded its Hong Kong offering when it launched a Hong Kong litigation practice in the same month, with the hire of dispute resolution partner Richard Wilmot from Holman Fenwick Willan. The outpost brought the firm's global office count to 14.

Earlier this year, Watson Farley's turnover passed £100m for the first time, reaching £102.1m for 2012-13, while profits per equity partner dipped by 13% to £388,000.